Religious Inclusion

This intermediate-level program is for leaders and colleagues alike. Through scenarios featuring ten faiths, learners practice responding to faith-based stereotyping or discrimination, and proactively supporting religious colleagues by considering religious needs and preferences, supporting religious expression, and engaging in respectful conversations about religion. This program was co-developed by Brian Carwana, the Executive Director of Encounter World Religions.

TOPIC: DEI

LEVEL: Intermediate

Key Concepts

Workplace accommodations for religious and spiritual practices
Religious appropriation
Essentializing or stereotyping religious groups or beliefs
Responding to religion-based conflict
Religion and workplace health & safety

Core Skills & Behaviours

Considering religion when planning workplace events or celebrations
Aiming for respect and equality rather than secularization
Responding to religious disclosures from candidates or colleagues
Recognizing and challenging anti-religious bias in oneself
Responding to anti-religious bias or stereotyping in the speech and conduct of others
Advocating for change when we see religious discrimination in policy or practice

	Snippet Title	Topic Covered
1	Hindu Halloween	Highlights the importance of considering all employees’ religious practices when planning celebrations at work. Encourages learners to gather this information before conflict arises.
2	Zen as a Buddhist	Illustrates how “essentializing” religious identities can be harmful. Encourages learners to privately address the issue when they witness positive stereotyping about someone’s religion.
3	The News from Gaza	Discusses how to create supportive work environments in the midst of ethno-religious conflict. Encourages the learner to focus on individual wellbeing, the power of listening, and shared values.
4	The Atheist’s Condolences	Shows that the beliefs of atheists are worthy of equal consideration in the workplace. Encourages learners to value everyone’s viewpoint and to avoid imposing religious or spiritual practices on others.
5	Safety First, Right?	Explores the “false dilemma” between workplace health and safety and religious expression. Highlights the need for policies that allow for outward religious expression as this is central to some faiths.
6	The Attack	Explores how individuals and workplaces should respond to anti-religious violence. Focuses on centering victims, sharing condolences appropriately, and providing tangible support.
7	Xmas	Through an exploration of Christmas, shows that the goal of workplace inclusion should not be “secularization” but “equality.” Suggests the use of a multi-faith calendar and granting equal consideration to Christians.
8	The Rasta Candidate	Demonstrates how to appropriately respond to religious disclosures in the hiring process, and encourages learners to challenge anti-religious bias when they see it in themselves or in others.
9	Double Belonging	Shows that it’s possible for people to belong to two or more faiths at once. Encourages learners to approach others with curiosity and to accommodate adherents of smaller, newer, or less centralized faiths.
10	Vision Quest	Introduces the concept of religious “appropriation” in the context of Indigenous Spirituality. Encourages learners to meaningfully support Indigenous communities and colleagues.

Religious Inclusion

TOPIC: DEI

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